Bruce County producer brings over 30 years of experience to the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Les Nichols from Bruce County is the new president of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).
Nichols and his wife Mary reside in Formosa, where they farm 150 acres of cash crops using a corn-soybean-wheat rotation. Les also operates “Crop Watch Consulting, working as an independent certified crop advisor, providing advice on production, nutrient management and planning services,” a Wednesday OSCIA
release said.
Before becoming a licensed seed crop inspector, Nichols worked in agricultural retail and custom application for 30 years.
Les Nichols from Bruce County is the 2019 OSCIA president. (OSCIA photo)
Nichols’ new role comes at an important time, as “crop production technology and systems continue to evolve at a rapid pace,” he said in the release.
“The OSCIA mission to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices has never been more relevant,” he added.
And Nichols is pleased with his new role with the organization, he told Farms.com today.
“I’ve been involved (with the organization) at the grassroots level for a lot of years, sort of working my way up, and it’s certainly an honour to lead the provincial organization for the coming year.”
The OSCIA presidential role is a very respected one, Andrew Graham, OSCIA executive director, told Farms.com today.
“In each and every case, I can confidently say that the individual who took the reins of the president (role) rose to the occasion and did a wonderful job. Les brings a very unique skillset, and set of experiences to the role.
“I have no doubt that he will do a fantastic job,” Graham added.
Others on the 2019 provincial board of directors, the release said, are:
• Stuart Wright – 1st vice, Heartland Region
• Chad Anderson – 2nd vice, St. Clair Region
• Warren Schneckenburger – 3rd vice, Eastern Valley
• Peter McLaren – past president
• Phil Oegema, Thames Valley
• Andy van Niekerk, Georgian Central
• Steve Sickle, Golden Horseshoe
• Paul Hagey, East Central
• Mark Burnham, Quinte
• Eleanor Renaud, Ottawa Rideau
• Birgit Martin, North Eastern Ontario
• Andrew Brekveld, North Western Ontario
Brian Hall is the 2019 honorary president.
The OSCIA announced its 2019 slate of provincial directors at the start of the month in Kingston at its annual conference. Founded in 1939, the OSCIA is a not-for-profit grassroots organization that has over 50 provincial associations and over 4,000 farmer memberships representing all major sectors.
Updated Feb. 21, 2019
OSCIA photo